1
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holdback
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Japan has very specific holdback structures for their content that are just different from America’s.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 May 2025
Zach Lowe did not hold back his words when talking about Doncic on defense.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Japan has very specific holdback structures for their content that are just different from America’s.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
The total purchase price is $185 million in cash, which includes $75 million held back that is tied to meeting performance goals and milestones over the next two years, according to Roku.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 May 2025
Zach Lowe did not hold back his words when talking about Doncic on defense.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends health care providers screen for regular developmental delays at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months, says Dr. Chong.—
Sherri Gordon, CLC,
Parents,
1 May 2025
-
The game resumed after the delay, and the Pirates beat the Cubs 4-3.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The final three are for ensuring successful implementation of the decision: foresight, which is the habit of setting goals; alertness, the habit of having situational awareness; and preparedness, the habit of anticipating and avoiding obstacles to implementation.—
Andrew Abela,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
The challenge of problem-solving and overcoming high-stakes obstacles.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Substantial reductions in funding for HIV prevention efforts could further hamper this public health messaging.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
At the time, according to Mark Green, an IRS spokesman, Congress believed deductions for personal interest encouraged people to consume and stifle savings.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
The students met regularly and secretly with their professors to study literature, philosophy and theology from the Catholic intellectual tradition, banned by the Nazi regime as part of Hitler’s strategy to first stifle and then strangle the Catholic Church in Germany.—
Peter Nguyen,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At this point, the lengthy wait times between games are inherent to their appeal (and frustration).—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
Long wait times became a self-fulfilling prophecy In recent weeks, news of the turmoil at Social Security mobilized fretful Americans to telephone or visit the agency, seeding further chaos.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The Olympian and World Championship silver medalist is a superstar heptathlete who’s headed for the women’s long hurdles.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
The Vessel Project is built on the principles of mutual aid, ensuring that no one is left behind and that support reaches those in need without the bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder access.—
Jameelah Nasheed,
Essence,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Empire started mining the planet for energy and suppressing the Ghormans, so the upstart rebels attack a transport ship full of supplies.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
1 May 2025
-
But its assertions are characteristic of the Trump administration’s systemic denial of trans lives, and signal further movement by HHS toward policies that seek to suppress trans identities among young people.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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